“I’m not in the mood for sex, Kraven. I feel like a popsicle.” That is a total lie but say it like you mean it, she lectured herself.
“I’m not going to fuck you.” His anger came across with his snarled tone.
“Though, at least that would distract me from knowing we’re under a tree on the ground. I can make out the shape of it above us. There aren’t bugs, are there? Tree beetles? Ants? Oh God, please tell me there aren’t any flesh-eating insects common to this area.”
“No bugs. It’s too damn cold for them. Spread your thighs for me now.”
She did and when he came down on top of her, the feel of his warm skin sliding against hers made her gasp. “Where are your pants?”
“Body heat works best skin to skin.” His upper body remained off hers. “Take off the tank for me.”
She hesitated before wiggling around under him to get it over her head, then flattened back down as he spread totally on top of her. She knew her nipples were hard from the cold, that he had to feel them when they dug into his unbelievably warm chest, and she stifled a moan when he adjusted to get more comfortable on top of her.
“Just relax.” He whispered the words near her ear.
“You’re so warm.”
“I know. Cold doesn’t bother me as much as it would you. Is this better? Are you warming?”
She nodded and turned her face a little to press it against his neck. She breathed in his masculine scent, hating the way her body responded but knowing she’d be on board if he did try to take advantage of their intimate position. When he adjusted his big body on top of her one more time, something thick and stiff pressed against the softer flesh of her thighs. It became obvious what part of him touched her.
“You’re hard? Really?”
A soft growl came from him. “Ignore it. I am.”
“I’m just amazed. In this cold weather I’d think you’d be shriveled. Everything on me is.”
“So I feel.” He relaxed more on top of her.
“Sorry. That happens when I’m freezing.”
“Go to sleep, Bat.” He drew in a deep breath, nearly crushing her under him, and exhaled. “Morning is a long time away. I know you’re exhausted. Crossing that river had to be difficult with your weaker body.”
“I’m not weak. I’m just not as strong as you. What do you do in your spare time? Lift weights?”
“Sleep.”
“What I wouldn’t give for a nice bed right now.”
“I know. I promise I’ll get you to my cabin before tomorrow night. You’ll like it. Picture a big fireplace with real wood burning and a soft bed.”
She definitely liked that image.
Her headache had finally faded completely—and its absence brought clarity. “Why were you naked and covered in blood earlier?”
He hesitated.
“Kraven?” No way could he have fallen asleep that fast.
“I ran into a few of your grandfather’s people.”
She considered his answer. “Oh hell. You know you’re confusing me. I heard bears, not people.”
“You definitely didn’t hear bears. They’re trying to take you to your grandfather. I won’t allow it to happen. I did what I had to, Bat. You’re safe.”
Did he kill someone? There had been a lot of blood on him. More unanswered questions filled her mind. She should be afraid of him but she wasn’t. “Why were you naked?”
“I didn’t want to rip my clothing when I shifted.”
“Shifted?” She couldn’t resist asking.
“Into my VampLycan form.” His tone deepened. “I’m too tired to spank you so watch the insults. I know you don’t believe me, but it’s true. Be damn happy I took out the one who came after you before he got close enough for you to see too much. You wouldn’t have liked the sight of a shifted VampLycan.”
“It was a bear.”
“Right.”
“Or maybe a cougar or some type of lion.”
“Uh-huh.”
He’s so damn irritating. “I’m not going to get any answers from you that make sense, am I?”
“No. You don’t want to hear the truth.”
At least he wasn’t denying it. “Fine. I’ll let it drop because I’m so glad you found me and you’re warm.”
He had the nerve to chuckle. “Rest.”
The wind whispered through the trees above them and leaves rustled on the ground. The silence stretched and the weight on top of her became heavier. She didn’t mind though. Kraven had to weigh over two hundred and forty pounds but his warmth more than made up for the way she had to draw shorter breaths just to fill her lungs.
A loud, short burst of sound filled the night.
Kraven’s body instantly tensed over hers and his head lifted.
Bat’s heart raced. “What was that?” Fear had her clutching his skin. “Are we going to be attacked by another animal?”
“Shit,” Kraven groaned. “It’s nothing.” He relaxed on top of her, his face lowering again, and he pinned her flat. “Ignore it.”
“What the hell was that?”
“Your sister and my brother. He found her.”
“Dusti?” She struggled to push him up, wanting to know if he was telling her the truth. She needed to see her sister. “What do you mean he found her? Was she lost?”
Kraven pinned her tighter. “They’re camping nearby.”
“Are they hurt? Do they―”
“They had sex,” he stated harshly. “That’s what you heard. No wonder my brother was determined to stop. And it’s not as if we have much else to do while we wait for daylight.”
Shock replaced fear. “Are you sure? Dusti and Drantos? Seriously?”
“Think I’d joke about that? Trust me. I just hadn’t noticed their scents with my face buried in moss. And the two rocks on the sides of us help hide our scent, but they also block others from reaching us as fast.”
“Scent?” She frowned but her grip on him eased. “Right. Your animal side. How could I have forgotten that?” She hoped he picked up on the sarcasm. “We should check on them.”
“You mean I should, since you can’t see a damn thing in the dark. I’m not getting up. I’m comfortable and your skin is finally warm. They are more than fine. I’d say they’re both pretty happy at the moment.” He grunted. “At least someone is.”
Worry distracted Bat from Kraven. Is he right? Did Dusti just have sex with Biker Bear? She had to admit Drantos was good-looking too, in a rough way, and she was sure attracted to his brother. They had near twin body sizes. It wasn’t normal for her baby sister to just sleep with some guy though.
But then again, life lately had taken a drastic turn.
She stiffened. “He wouldn’t force her, would he?”
Kraven groaned. “No. He wouldn’t. Will you sleep?”
“It’s just not like Dusti to have sex with a guy she barely knows.”
“She’s not like you then.”
Anger gripped her hard and fast. “No, she’s not, and don’t take that tone with me. I don’t sleep with a lot of men.”
“I didn’t say you did.” He hesitated but then chuckled. “You wouldn’t be so damn tight if you fucked a lot of them…unless you just have the bad luck of picking ones with small dicks.”
She slapped his chest with both palms. “Asshole.”
“Bitch.” His body adjusted more over hers. “Want to rip my nuts off still? I think you’re a little fond of them now.”
Anger burned. “You’re lucky I’m cold and you’re crushing me to keep me down. Just remember this, because you can bet your ass I will.”
He chuckled again. “You have that attorney mind for retaining facts.”
“Yes.”
The silence stretched between them and Bat closed her eyes and tried to ignore the fact that Kraven was on top of her. They were in the middle of the woods, lost somewhere in Alaska. She’d survived a lot. Her sister was at least close. It gave her hope of seeing her soon.
&nbs
p; “Will you and your brother let us go once you think we’re not in danger?” She was trying hard to talk to him in a way that would ensure no harm would come to her or Dusti. “You implied you killed someone. You have to admit that’s disturbing.”
“You and your sister are in no danger from us, Bat.” He sounded mad. “You still doubt that?”
She’d pushed him too far. “Well, on that note, I guess we should get some sleep.” Her fingers against his chest rubbed a little. “Good night.”
“You don’t believe me.” His breath teased her.
“You implied you killed someone, Kraven.” She kept her tone soft. “Do you see how that could worry me?”
“I’ve told you the truth. You know what I am and who you need to be protected from. Your grandfather is the enemy, not us.”
“You’re a ferocious VampLycan and I’m half one. I get the urge to kill people all the time. Especially those assholes who steal parking spaces when you’re waiting for one with your blinker on, or the morons who talk on their cell phones while they drive.”
He took a deep breath, nearly flattening her under him. He turned his head a bit and rubbed his nose against the sensitive spot of her throat just under her earlobe. A chill jolted through her body, the good kind, and her nipples grew taut again. It irritated her that her body could respond to his tiniest movement.
“Bat, Bat, Bat,” he whispered. “You’re playing with fire.”
“I wish I were. I’d be warm and wouldn’t need you to blanket me.”
“Do you want proof of what we both are? I could give it to you but you probably wouldn’t react well. I don’t want your sister or my brother rushing over here when you make a lot of noises.”
She would never forget what happened in the woods on the other side of the river, and how her body had responded to him when he’d intentionally turned her on. He’d probably just tease her and then leave her hot and bothered without finishing what he started. “I’ll pass. I don’t want to play the crazy game right now. I’m tired.”
He was quiet for a moment. “I know you are. That’s why we’re resting instead of staying on the move. I still don’t agree with Drantos on taking it easy on you both. I’ll be happy once we reach home. Sleep.”
She tried but it took a long time to drift off, too aware of the sexy nutjob pinning her to the ground with his warm, firm body. She promised to set appointments with her therapist and Dr. Brent when she returned to Los Angeles. Maybe she really had sustained a concussion when the plane had crashed.
That could account for why she was risking so much by wanting a man who was a few screws shy of being totally put together.
Kraven wanted to make Bat eat her sarcasm but her earlier physical discomfort weighed heavier on his needs. She’d been ill and needed time to heal from whatever had been wrong.
But he was aware of every breath she took; his dick was so hard it hurt. It took every bit of self-control not to growl at her, nip her with his teeth, and fuck her into oblivion.
Drantos had finally claimed Dusti. It meant his brother had already started the mating process too. The timing couldn’t be worse. It was all kinds of stupid to be having sex when they were on the run. In his own defense, they’d had time to kill, since his brother had told him to give the sisters plenty of rest and not to push them too hard.
It was ridiculous. They should just rip off the blinders and show the sisters what they really were. It would also save a hell of a lot of time if he could carry Bat on his back and move faster. He pictured how she’d react if he told her to ride him like a horse.
He could just shift on top of her. The idea of her reaction, after some of the insults she’d tossed at him, was mildly satisfying. She thought he was full of shit and crazy. She’d believe him if she found herself pinned under a hairy, four-legged, so-called figment of his imagination.
Actually, she’d probably freak out and scream. That killed his anger more. The last thing he wanted was for her to be terrified of him, and they were still in danger. Her screams would draw their enemies right to them.
She was in danger. That thought sobered him completely. Decker needed Bat to make a deal with Aveoth, and it would destroy the clans. Many would die. The only other option would be to flee to avoid a fight. His family and friends would have to leave their homes and they’d become the hunted once more. It would be stupid to move in a large number together; it would draw a lot of attention. They’d have to split into small groups. They wouldn’t have as much strength without numbers and their future would only exist as long as they stayed one step ahead of their enemies.
His temper mounted, thinking about that kind of future. Lycan packs and Vampire nests would probably attack if the clan broke into smaller groups, seeing them as enough of a threat to risk it. Humans could get caught in the crossfire. Innocent lives would be lost.
Fucking Decker. He needs to die.
He bit back a snarl, hating the man responsible for threatening the peace.
Chapter Eight
Bat woke alone. The sun was up and Kraven wasn’t nearby as she raised her head, looking around. The view wasn’t good though, with a tree at her back and two boulder-sized rocks to the sides of the small area she was in. She shoved at loose leaves, grossed out a bit that he’d probably been the one to cover her legs with them. They kept her warm but she imagined bugs hidden in the mass, regardless of what Kraven had said. His shirt covered her upper body. She put it on.
Her head was fine, the headache totally gone for the first time since the plane crash. She crawled forward beyond the rocks and peered out, looking for him. He still wasn’t within sight. It scared her but she calmed after a few panicked seconds. He wouldn’t just abandon her. She’d bet on it. He’d found her after she’d swam across the river. He had that crazy hero complex fantasy thing going on.
“Kraven?” She didn’t want to yell so she kept her voice low. The last thing she wanted was for a bear or another dangerous animal to find her.
Movement out of the corner of her eye had her turning. Kraven strutted out of the trees. She had to admire him in just a pair of jeans without his shirt. He was tan and muscular, all flat belly and impressive biceps. His hair even looked better without the spikes. It was wavy and thick, a much sexier look. The only flaw was his belt buckle. She wasn’t a fan.
He didn’t smile when she glanced up at his face. He actually seemed a little angry, judging from the frown marring his lips.
“How are you feeling?” He stopped in front of her and reached out, helped her to stand.
She winced when he plucked a few dry leaves out of her hair, ones she’d missed. “Cold but good.”
He leaned down a little, staring deeply into her eyes. “How is your head?”
“It’s great now. Where did you go?”
“Boys’ room. I didn’t think you’d like me to piss right next to you.”
“Thanks.” She bit her lip. “I have to go too.”
That got a smile from him. “I want to watch this.”
She stepped back. “Not a chance. I’d give anything for a real bathroom and toilet paper.”
“Use leaves.”
She grimaced. “I think I’ll just try the squat-and-air-dry method. I’m not rubbing dirty debris against myself.”
He hooked a thumb in the direction he’d just come. “Right there. Stay close though.” He suddenly jerked his head to the right, his nose flaring. “Real close. We have company.”
Bat felt instant fear. “Is it a bear?”
“You might think so. He’s kind of big. It’s my cousin Red. Go pee fast. I’ll find him and then we’ll leave. This is good news. It means the clan has found us.”
She let that slide and carefully picked her way across the ground on her bare feet. She’d kill for more clothes and a pair of shoes. Fear of wild animals kept her from going far. She crept behind the first thick tree for privacy. She hated camping and remembered why she never did it. There was no dignity in how she spent her
next minute.
She straightened and thought of Kraven’s words. Who would name their kid Red? If he’s even a real person. Shit. What if he’s a make-believe person?
Kraven couldn’t be that nuts. It would break her heart.
She froze, letting it sink in that it really would cause her pain if whatever was wrong with him couldn’t be fixed with medication. Some people couldn’t be cured of mental illness by taking pills to offset whatever imbalances they had. She had a few clients who were like that. The idea of Kraven spending the rest of his life needing to have fulltime supervision and care just seemed too cruel.
Something caught her eye and she looked up, gasping.
A tall man stood just feet away. He had hair down to his waist—and he was butt naked. She glanced down, then up. And it wasn’t his ass she got a glimpse of.
She backed up and her arm bumped a tree. She blinked, too shocked to speak. He had to have seen her squat. He tilted his head, a pair of very dark eyes staring back at her. He was tan and had black, silky hair. He wasn’t a bad-looking guy. Just big and muscular.
He reached out as if to touch her.
Bat squealed in fright and spun, running. She didn’t care about stepping on bugs or worms anymore. A naked guy was wandering around in the woods. He had to be crazy to do that. Or maybe Alaska had a nudist colony. Or he could be some rapist.
She freaked when Kraven wasn’t where she’d left him.
“Kraven!” She halted, not seeing him anywhere. She glanced over her shoulder, saw the long-haired man stalking toward her unhurriedly. She spun again, not sure where to run. “KRAVEN!”
He came rushing from her right. “What?” He halted and saw the man. “Hi, Carver.”
Bat grabbed Kraven, scrambling to get behind him. She clutched at the back of his jeans and his arm. The name sounded like one a serial killer would have. She didn’t miss that. “He’s naked!”
Kraven turned his head, peering down at her. He had the nerve to grin. “I see.”
“You know him?”
His grin widened. “He’s a friend.”
She refused to glance at the guy again. She did lower her voice. “Where are his clothes?”
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